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What can my toddler do now?

Your toddler is growing stronger and more confident in his movements. He no longer needs to concentrate on walking, standing, running, or jumping. But he may still be a little unsteady with some actions, such as standing on tiptoes or on one foot (Sheridan 2008: 39).

Your toddler is getting more skilled with his hands too. He may be able to draw a person now, probably with a head and a couple of other features (DoE 2012: 45, Sheridan 2008: 40). He may be able to copy a circle or other simple shapes, such as the letter V (DoE 2012: 23). And he may be able to cut paper with scissors (Sheridan 2008: 40, Thomson Delmar Learning 2007).

In fact, the amount of time your child is able to focus on one activity has increased dramatically. This, along with his improved social skills, will allow him to play more structured games, like tag, with others.

This is good news if you're planning a third birthday party for him. He's approaching the age when birthdays start to become more meaningful. He may love it if you arrange a party with a theme and plan some simple games for him and his friends to enjoy.

How well should my toddler be able to talk?

You're probably enjoying proper little chats with your child now. He's gaining a better understanding of abstract ideas, such as time. He may be able to talk about what he's doing now or something he's done in the past (ICAN 2010, Sheridan 2008: 41).

By now your toddler may be able to tell you his full name and gender, and perhaps even his age (Sheridan 2008: 41). Most of his speech will sound correct, but he'll still mix up his words when he's excited about something (RCSLT 2003).

How well can I expect my toddler to look after himself?

By now, your toddler may be able to wash his hands on his own. But he'll find it hard to dry them properly, so you'll have to help him with that for a while yet (Sheridan 2008: 42).

If your child is getting used to his potty or using the toilet, he needs to learn the basic hygeine lessons to go along with this new independence. Teach him to wash his hands each time he goes to the toilet. Then it'll become a habit he doesn't have to think about.

Your toddler is getting better at dressing himself. He may pull his pants up and down without help, but will still need you to help him with buttons and other fastenings (Sheridan 2008: 42). He probably won't be able to get dressed completely by himself until he is about four (Sheridan 2008: 46).

Does my toddler still need a nap?

He may do. Some children this age do still need a short sleep in the afternoon (DH 2009: 89). But others don't need a nap at all. Either way, it's perfectly normal.

If your toddler is usually at home with you during the day, make sure he naps in the same place he sleeps at night. He already associates that spot with sleep and he's more likely to doze off there.

If he normally naps at nursery, keep your weekend routine consistent with theirs. Tuck him in with the same soft toy or cuddly he usually sleeps with at nursery.

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